Kalihiwai Beach, Kauai, HI: Complete 2024 Visitor Guide
One of the more secluded beaches on the north shore of Kauai, Kalihiwai Beach is worth visiting for its picturesque setting.
A swathe of golden sand on Kalihiwai Bay, this beautiful beach has a backdrop of tropical vegetation and is bordered on one end by the Kalihiwai River. Lava cliffs rise up on either end for a picture postcard setting.
Located east of the communities of Hanalei and Princeville, Kalihiwai Beach is a nice stop if you are beach-hopping along Kauai’s north shore (which we think you should, because there are so many pretty beaches here!)
Whether you’re looking to spend some quiet time in the sun or take photos of the beautiful landscape, Kalihiwai Beach is a great addition to your Kauai itinerary.
We spend at least one morning or afternoon here on every trip to Kauai, because the seclusion is addictive and the scenery delightful. Off the main highway, it’s a great spot for some true R&R on a busy sightseeing trip.
Let’s get started discovering how to visit Kalihiwai Beach in Kauai, Hawaii!
Visiting Kauai? The only way to get a real feel for the rugged beauty of this incredible island is through a helicopter tour!
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Kalihiwai Beach Directions
Kalihiwai Beach, part of Kalihiwai Bay on Kauai’s North Shore, is a little over 8 miles east of Hanalei, off the Kuhio Highway (Highway 560 and Highway 56).
Traveling east from Hanalei, make a left on Kalihiwai Road, which follows the beach almost up to the Kalihiwai River. (Don’t take the first turn onto Kalihiwai Road, take the second one that’s right before the Anaina Hou Community Park.)
Coming up from Lihue or Poipu, travel west along the Kuhio Highway from Kilauea towards Princeville, and turn right onto Kalihiwai Road, just before mile marker 24.
Want to use Google maps or GPS? Put in Kalihiwai Beach, Kalihiwai, HI 96754.
Kalihiwai Beach Parking
You’ll find dirt parking for Kalihiwai Beach toward the end of Kalihiwai Road.
You can also pull off the road and park alongside the road on the dirt if you find a wide enough spot.
Kalihiwai Beach Map
The Kalihiwai Beach map below shows the location of Kalihiwai Beach, and the main attractions nearby.
Kalihiwai Beach Access
Kalihiwai Beach is just a few steps from the dirt parking area on Kalihiwai Road. No hiking required!
Just grab your gear and walk onto the sand.
Kalihiwai Beach Reservations
Kalihiwai Beach does not require any reservations.
Kalihiwai Beach Amenities / Facilities
Location: Kalihiwai, north shore of Kauai
Lifeguard: No
Beach Amenities: None
Food Nearby: Restaurants at the nearby resorts in Princeville and in the town of Hanalei
Parking: Dirt parking area at the end of the road, parking by the side of the road
Directions: On Kalihiwai Road, off Kuhio Highway (Highway 56) near mile marker 24
Kalihiwai Beach is undeveloped and pristine. You will not find lifeguards, restrooms, or showers here.
Bring food, snacks, water, and any equipment or beach gear you need, and be sure to pack everything out after your visit so the beach stays unspoiled for future visitors!
You’ll find public restrooms and showers at Anini Beach Park, about a 10-minute drive from Kalihiwai Beach.
Best Things to Do at Kalihiwai Beach
1. Kalihiwai Beach Swimming
In the summer, when conditions are calm, you can usually swim at Kalihiwai Beach. In fact, Kalihiwai Beach is considered one of the best swimming beaches in Kauai.
But always exercise caution, as there are no lifeguards, and ocean conditions are dynamic.
We’ve seen local families with kids at this beach in the summer, enjoying calm conditions in the bay.
As is the case with most other Kauai north shore beaches, do not enter the waters if the surf is high, as is usually the case in winter.
2. Kalihiwai Beach Surfing and Bodyboarding
In the winter, Kalihiwai Beach is considered an expert destination on Kauai’s north shore for surfing and bodyboarding.
However, the winter waves here can be dangerous, so leave the waves to experts and watch the action from the shore.
In the summer, smaller waves mean that beginner surfers and boogie boarders can try riding them, although there are better spots along the north shore, like Hanalei Bay.
3. Sunbathe or Relax with a Book on Kalihiwai Beach
The golden sand at Kalihiwai Beach is perfect for soaking in the rays on nice weather days.
Lay down a blanket (it’s a blissfully uncrowded beach), or set up a lounger, lather on reef safe sunscreen, and bask in the warmth of the sun with a good book!
If it gets too sunny, you can retire to a shaded spot under the ironwood trees in the back of the beach.
4. Stroll Kalihiwai Beach
Kalihiwai Beach is a perfect strolling beach. It’s a nice long stretch of beach, and the sand isn’t too loose, making it great for walking or jogging.
We love to start our mornings on the north shore of Kauai with a walk along the secluded Kalihiwai Beach, looking for bits of coral or shells and enjoying the views of the lava cliffs.
Keep an eye open for unleashed dogs on the beach: local residents sometimes allow their dogs to run unattended on the sand here.
5. Enjoy the Kalihiwai Stream
The Kalihiwai Stream, which borders the beach at the western end, is a popular recreation spot when it’s not raining or flooded.
You’ll see folks taking a dip in the stream, floating, or fishing. Kids enjoying wading here.
You can go kayaking up the stream if you like, or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding along the stream. If you kayak past the bridge you can view the two waterfalls that the stream creates before it flows into the bay.
6. Have a picnic
Ironwood trees at the back of Kalihiwai Beach offer shade.
Bring along a picnic meal to enjoy in scenic surroundings after you splash in the waves or stroll on the sand.
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